Portman's little energy bill bogged down by Obamacare, prostitution

4:01 AM,
Sep. 19, 2013

Written by

Deirdre Shesgreen
Gannett Washington Bureau

Forget the high-stakes showdown over a spending bill to keep the federal government from shutting down.

When it comes to political dysfunction of this Congress, Exhibit A is unfolding in the Senate over a modest, bipartisan energy-efficiency bill. Sponsored by Sen. Rob Portman, the legislation has become entangled in a nasty debate over completely unrelated issues - including Obamacare and prostitution allegations.

The spat has even sparked an ethics complaint raising allegations of bribery and intimidation. ...